Biwi Aur Makan

Biwi Aur Makan is a riveting Indian comedy-drama directed by the illustrious Hrishikesh Mukherjee in 1966. As a renowned filmmaker, Mukherjee truly showcased his adept storytelling skills in this film, which kept the audience on the edge of their seats.

This movie unfurls in an engaging plot about the quintessential Indian concept of ‘arranged marriages’ and how four desperate bachelors, magnificently portrayed by Biswajeet Chatterjee, Mehmood, Kalpana, and Keshto Mukherjee, who collectively stumble upon an ingenious idea to secure their future matrimonies.

The movie starts with these four bachelors who are studying law together and live in a rented home. Initially, they lead a fun and carefree life, filled with laughter, comradery, and little regard for societal norms. In a twist of fate, the landlord demands that they vacate the house, leaving them in a state of utter dilemma. They have no place to go, no money to rent a new house, and worst of all, no hope except an ancestral house, which can only be claimed if one of them marries.

Taking a comic spin on an otherwise dire situation, the four friends come up with a plan to rent a wife! The vastly popular character actor Mehmood, who is also one of the bachelors in the movie, becomes the pivot of this comedic design. They look for a girl who would agree to be a temporary wife and live with them so they can claim the ancestral home.

In walks two beautiful and independent girls, played by Kalpana and Shabnam, who turn the tables entirely on the quartet of bachelors. The level of complexity and comedic chaos increases manifold with their entry in the plot. The ensuing drama in the movie is both heartwarming and hilarious, keeping the viewers thoroughly engaged and entertained.

Biswajeet, with his charm and suave, adds the much-needed sophistication to the otherwise chaotic team of bachelors. Mehmood is his usual comic best, and his characterful portrayal of a desperate bachelor is both authentic and funny. On the other hand, Kalpana and Shabnam, with their stunning looks and impeccable acting chops, manage to hold their own against the male leads.

The sets are immaculate, capturing the atmosphere of Indian homes in the mid-1960s accurately. The screenplay is tight and pacy, which ensures that there is never a dull moment in the movie. The dialogues are written in pure Hindi with wit and humor that reflects the excellent writing credentials of sharp-tongued Harindranath Chattopadhyay.

The movie is also a musical treat with some memorable songs, composed by the musical genius Hemant Kumar. Songs like "Ek Baar Zara Phir Kehdo" and "Bhool Sakta Hai Bhala Kaun Ye Pyari Aankhen" have managed to stay popular even after all these decades.

Biwi Aur Makan is essentially a comedy film. Yet, it manages to shed light on the different, often contrasting, layers of societal norms, matrimonial conventions, and gender relationships in India, albeit in a light-hearted way.

Overall, Biwi Aur Makan represents a golden period of Indian cinema when comedy, romance, drama, and a dash of suspense were all deftly blended together and served in a powerful narrative. It is especially refreshing in the way it represents its female characters who are strong, vocal, and take the narrative forward.

Biwi Aur Makan is a must-watch for anyone looking for a light-hearted comedy that manages to drive home a few critical points about love, companionship, and societal paradigm shifts in a predominantly traditional society. This film is sure to leave the viewers with a smile on their face and quite a few moments to ponder over.